Does Your Child Have Flexible or Rigid Flat Feet?

September 4, 2026 Flat Feet Juan Valenzuela 0 - Comments

Last updated: August 2026 | By Juan Valenzuela, Certified Children’s Shoe Fitter

Quick Answer: Flat feet come in two types, and telling them apart matters. To check, have your child sit and lift onto their tiptoes (or lift their heel with no weight on the foot) — if an arch appears, it’s flexible flat feet, the more common and generally less concerning type. If no arch appears either way, it’s rigid flat feet, which is less common and worth having evaluated by a pediatrician or podiatrist, since it can sometimes point to a structural issue beyond typical flat feet. Both types respond well to supportive shoes; my top pick is the New Balance 990v6, with nine more options reviewed below.

Has your child been diagnosed with flat feet? Don’t panic, but don’t ignore it either — acting early can help prevent future foot, leg, or lower back pain. Flat feet, also known as pes planus or collapsed arches, can be either flexible or rigid, and knowing which type your child has matters for how you approach treatment. As an experienced shoe fitter, I’ve seen firsthand how much of a difference the right shoes can make. In this guide, I’ll walk through how to tell the two types apart and share my top picks for supportive shoes.

Flexible vs. Rigid Flat Feet: The Simple Test

There are two types of flat feet, and figuring out which one your child has determines the right approach.

toddler-with-healthy-arch
Flexible flat feet is the most common type in children. The arch appears when the heel is elevated and no weight is on the foot.
In a flexible flat foot, that same arch disappears once the child puts full weight on the foot. Watch what happens as the child shifts from standing on their toes to standing flat.

Sometimes, something as simple as the right pair of shoes can make a real difference for a child with flexible flat feet — helping prevent the arch from collapsing and allowing them to walk and run with better alignment.

Kids with Flexible Flat Feet: What a Difference a Shoe Makes

toddler-with-flat-feet
A child with flexible flat feet standing barefoot — notice how the arches collapse and the feet roll inward.
toddler-wearing-supportive-shoes
The same child wearing a pair of supportive shoes. See how much straighter the feet look? A sturdy outsole and firm heel counter work together to keep the arches from collapsing and stop the feet from rolling inward.

Rigid Flat Feet

With rigid flat feet, the arch isn’t present whether the child is bearing weight or not — it doesn’t appear during the tiptoe test the way it does with flexible flat feet. Rigid flat feet is usually the result of an abnormal formation in the joints or bones, though it can sometimes develop from long-neglected flexible flat feet as well.

Because rigid flat feet creates a chain reaction of misalignment up through the rest of the body, it can place abnormal strain on the ankles, knees, hips, and back — and may contribute to bunions, heel pain, knee or hip pain, shin splints, or a child avoiding physical activity altogether.

child-with-rigid-flat-feet
No arch appears even when the heel is elevated and no weight is on the foot — the hallmark of a rigid flat foot.
child-with-flat-feet
The arch still doesn’t appear when the child stands on the full foot either.

Because rigid flat feet is less common than flexible flat feet and can sometimes signal an underlying structural issue, I’d recommend having a pediatrician or podiatrist evaluate your child if the tiptoe test above doesn’t produce any visible arch. Supportive shoes still help either way, but rigid flat feet is the one case where getting a professional opinion is worth prioritizing rather than starting with shoes alone.

Kids with Rigid Flat Feet: What a Difference a Shoe Makes

child-with-flat-feet-and-a-strong-degree-of-pronation
A child with rigid flat feet — notice how the arches have collapsed and the ankles appear misaligned, affecting overall foot and leg posture.
child-with-flat-feet-wearing-supportive-shoes
The same child wearing a pair of supportive sneakers — helping keep the feet and ankles aligned and preventing them from collapsing inward. These aren’t orthopedic shoes, just well-designed regular sneakers offering real support.

Key Shoe Features for Flexible or Rigid Flat Feet

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Substantial Outsoles. A substantial outsole keeps your child’s feet properly aligned, stopping them from collapsing or rolling inward.
children's-shoes-with-straight-lasts
Straight Lasts. These keep the forefoot properly aligned and prevent it from splaying outward. Avoid overly curved lasts, which often lack the heel stability kids with flat feet need — a common issue in many Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour styles.
children's-shoes-with-heel-support
Firm Heel Counters. Treating flat feet effectively starts at the heel — a firm heel counter guides the foot into proper alignment and helps prevent it from rolling inward.

How Do I Know Which Shoes Work Better for My Child?

I’ve worked at a specialized children’s shoe store for over 10 years, helping children with flat feet and other foot conditions daily. I genuinely believe the correct shoes can be life-changing, and that surgery or other invasive procedures should always be a last resort, not a first step.

Every shoe I recommend below fits a range of foot shapes. Check the details under each one to see whether it’s better suited for flexible or rigid flat feet, so you can find the right match for your child’s specific needs.

Supportive Shoes for Kids with Rigid or Flexible Flat Feet

My approach centers on supportive shoes — the least invasive, most effective way to help a child’s flat feet. This keeps kids properly aligned while still letting their muscles strengthen naturally as they move and grow. Disclosure: this post contains affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

990v6 by New Balance

The single best shoe on this list for both rigid and flexible flat feet. A robust outsole distributes weight evenly across the foot and reduces strain on the muscles and joints. The downside many parents mention is the higher price tag.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Velcro version also available on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Best suited for: both flexible and rigid flat feet — my top pick overall, especially for rigid cases needing maximum structure
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Removable insoles
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Gabi and Alvin by Memo (Orthopedic Shoe)

Specifically designed to improve foot posture and comfort. The higher price point is a common complaint, but the investment is often justified by the specialized design and effectiveness for flat feet.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order the model Gabi or Alvin on Amazon
  • Also available in a Mary Jane style and a version for older kids called Memo Polo
  • Best suited for: both flexible and rigid flat feet — its orthopedic construction makes it a strong choice for rigid cases specifically
  • Accommodates medium and wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • High-top design with stiff heel counters
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size. Refer to Memo sizing chart

Elliott by Stride Rite

These high-top booties by Stride Rite offer excellent support and a comfortable fit, making them a top choice for kids with flat feet. This shoe is affordable and despite the limited color choices, the Elliott shoes are celebrated for their supportive qualities and comfortable fit.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • 100% leather construction
  • High-top design provides extra ankle support
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

574 by New Balance

This New Balance shoe combines style with functionality. It offers solid support and cushioning, making it suitable for kids with flat feet. The shoe is offered at a lower price point.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Also available with laces on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters
  • APMA Seal of Acceptance
  • Sizing tip: Order a half size larger than your child’s current foot size

Tracks by Timberland

The sturdy design ensures that children can enjoy outdoor activities without compromising on foot stability or comfort, but this style is slightly heavier than my other shoe recommendations.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers and little kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • High-top design for extra ankle support
  • Water-friendly construction
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Cohesion by Saucony

These shoes are ideal for kids with flat feet, as they offer excellent cushioning and stability. The affordable pricing also makes them accessible to a wide range of families.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Also available with laces on Amazon
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters and stable base of support
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Fresh Foam Arishi v4 by New Balance

This is a versatile shoe that provides a soft and comfortable fit while supporting your child’s flat feet. Families appreciate how this shoe is offered at a very reasonable price.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order on the New Balance website or Amazon
  • Also available with laces on Amazon or the New Balance website
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Accommodates medium, wide, or extra wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Semi-firm heel counters
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

2002/1906 by New Balance

A great option for flat-footed children at a more affordable price point than the 990v6.

Key Features

  • Available for toddlers, little, and big kids
  • Order the 2002 or 1906 on the New Balance website
  • Best suited for: both flexible and rigid flat feet — a more affordable option for rigid cases needing extra structure
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for moderate to strong cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Cross Em Up by Adidas

The Cross Em Up by Adidas is a basketball-inspired shoe that offers great support for flat-footed kids. The versatility of the shoe makes it suitable for both sports and everyday wear, adding value for parents looking for multi-functional footwear.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Accommodates medium or wide feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • High-top design for additional ankle support
  • Versatile — suitable for sports and everyday wear
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

GT-1000 by Asics

The GT-1000 by Asics is a popular choice for kids who require extra stability and support. This specific shoe is capable of fitting children with narrow feet.

Key Features

  • Available for little and big kids
  • Order on Amazon
  • Best suited for: flexible flat feet
  • Accommodates narrow or medium feet
  • Ideal for mild to moderate cases of pronation
  • Firm heel counters, stable base of support, and semi-straight lasts
  • Sizing tip: Order a whole size larger than your child’s current foot size

Get in Touch for a Personalized Suggestion

Feel free to reach out for specific shoe recommendations tailored to your child’s flat feet. I’m happy to help you find the best choice for your child’s needs.

How to Retrieve Your Child’s Exact Foot Length and Shape

I’ve developed a free virtual shoe fitting service that makes it easy to measure your child’s shoe size from home. It’ll help determine whether your child has narrow, medium, wide, or extra wide feet, and whether they have a high instep — for the best possible fit.

What Helps Kids with Flat Feet?

The two most effective treatments for kids with flat feet are supportive shoes and orthotics. Whether a child needs an orthotic inside their shoes depends on the degree of the condition and whether they’re experiencing significant foot or leg pain.

Supportive New Balance shoe for kids with heel pain.
A pair of New Balance supportive kids’ shoes that can help treat flat feet.

Do Flat Feet Get Worse Over Time?

If left untreated, flat feet can worsen over time. The tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle can gradually become overworked from compensating for the lack of arch support. Left unaddressed, flat feet can contribute to:

  • Joint pain
  • Muscle exhaustion or weakness
  • An improper walking pattern
  • Possible toe walking
  • Poor overall foot development

Can You “Fix” Your Child’s Flat Feet? Let’s Set the Record Straight

It’s important for parents to know that no exercises, special shoes, or shoe inserts will actually mold or reshape a child’s arch. What the right shoes can do is significantly improve your child’s walking gait and overall posture while they’re wearing them.

I’ve encountered plenty of pediatricians who treat flat feet with little more than a shrug. Trust your instincts as a parent — if you notice your child walking or running differently than their peers, start by making sure they’re wearing genuinely supportive shoes, and don’t hesitate to seek a second opinion if something still feels off, especially for rigid flat feet.